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News and Events
McCormick moves into top power category with the new ZTX range
FRENCH VERSION COMING
Three models with maximum PTO power outputs up to 230hp
Powered by six-cylinder Cummins QSC electronic fuel injection engine
Programmable full powershift transmission with power shuttle
High output hydraulics up to 150 litre/minute with five electronic valves
Electro-hydraulic cab and optional front axle suspension for ride comfort
McCormick Tractors International is meeting its commitment to produce a full range of agricultural tractors with the launch of the McCormick ZTX Series heavyweight models designed for the most demanding arable farming operations.
Production of the new range of three models – with maximum power outputs spanning 185hp to 230hp PTO – will begin this autumn following a major investment in the product itself and in upgrading the assembly line at McCormick’s Doncaster plant in England.
"The ZTX project has involved a lot of time, effort and investment to bring it to the market," says Roger Purdy, managing director. "But we promised to have a world-class contender in this important and growing power sector and now we are delivering that promise."
The ZTX range
The McCormick ZTX draws on proven assemblies and components combined with stylish design to produce a tractor with the specification and performance features demanded by users in this power class. It also looks the part thanks to the styling work of SZ Design, the renowned Italian automotive design consultancy, whose Zagato brand is associated with some of the world's most exotic sports cars.
There are three models, all powered by the 8.3 litre Cummins QSC six-cylinder engine, which features advanced electronic fuel injection management to provide responsive but economical power and torque delivery.
"This is the latest version of an engine that is already proven in demanding agricultural tractor and other applications," notes Paul Wade, product specialist. "Electronic microprocessor control provides accurate regulation of the fuel injection system for power and economy, while the 24-valve head allows the injectors to be positioned in the perfect position for efficient combustion."
The so-called ‘power bulge’ characteristic of this engine results in power output rising by 11kW (15hp) on the ZTX230 and by 15kW (20hp) on the ZTX260 and ZTX280 as engine speed is pulled down by increasing load.
"This means that no less than the rated power output is available all the way down to around 1600rpm," explains Paul Wade. "With torque output rising at the same time, this gives the tractors the energy to work hilly ground and cope with tough areas of soil or lumps of material in big combine swaths."
The engine is attached to the transmission then surrounded by a fabricated frame that prevents any stress loads being passed to the power unit. The frame itself provides the strength necessary to operate heavy front-mounted implements using the optional three-point linkage and is sculpted to allow the front axle’s 55-degree steering angle to be used to the full, even when wide front tyres are fitted.
Transmission
The 18-speed full powershift gearbox is the perfect partner for this engine. It gives the driver easy and instant access to all gears with non of the speed overlaps that often come with a range type gearbox.
"Again, this is a proven assembly that is popular with operators because of the smooth shifts and programmable features it provides," notes Mr Wade. "The driver can change the default start-up gears, for example, and programme a temporary set-up for a particular field task. Speed matching ensures the tractor quickly moves to the correct ratio after slowing down for a road junction."
The transmission’s power shuttle features complement the main gearbox with smooth changes between forward and reverse, and a ‘park’ position for the left-hand control lever that locks the transmission for added safety and security.
A headland turn system saves the operator having to constantly engage and disengage the front drive and diff locks for headland turns. It operates these control functions automatically by linking them to the position of the lift arms and/or the speed of the tractor (disengaging above 16kph, engaging below 13kph or when the brakes are applied), or when wheelslip exceeds a preset level.
Driveline
The McCormick ZTX tractor’s heavy-duty rear axle is complemented by a choice of two front axles, both featuring a hydraulic locking differential to provide genuine four-wheel drive and maximum traction.
As standard, the ZTX comes with a beam axle with heavy-duty final drive units, generous 55-degree steering angle and pivoting mudguards.
A similar unit is used for the optional suspension axle that features a four-link assembly to locate the axle securely while allowing generous vertical movement regulated by a single upright hydraulic cylinder.
This is coupled to the three oil/gas accumulators that provide the springing and a control unit that regulates the ride height and enables the operator to isolate the suspension when necessary.
Hydraulics
Generous hydraulic performance is clearly essential on a tractor in this class so McCormick provides a high flow systems – delivering 150 litre/min output – from a closed centre variable flow pump that responds to the pressure and flow demands of the implement.
"All three ZTX models come with five electronic auxiliary valves, each with easy adjustment of flow rate and flow timing using dials located beneath a cover set into the driver’s seat arm rest," explains Paul Wade. "The timer function provides up to 30 seconds of oil flow – for one-shot operation of a plough turnover mechanism, for example – as well as continuous flow to power hydraulic motors."
Four of the auxiliary valves are operated using a pair of short joysticks mounted on the arm rest; the fifth valve is controlled using buttons on the seat-mounted Multicontroller, which also carries the powershift buttons and implement linkage lift-lower switch.
The implement linkage itself is a heavy-duty design using two large diameter external cylinders to generate up to 11,000kg of lift.
A microprocessor controlled electronic system provides sensitive draft and accurate position control and these are set using simple dial and slider controls on the tractor’s right-hand console. A float setting ensures soil-engaging implements such as ploughs and cultivators can reach their working depth quickly in hard conditions.
Power take-off
For powered implements, the McCormick ZTX provides a heavy-duty 1000rpm system with a short driveline for minimal power loss and electronic overload protection. An ‘auto pto’ option integrates pto control with the headland turn system linked to the position of the implement lift arms.
Cab
McCormick ZTX drivers are provided with a spacious cab that still places all essential controls close to hand. Large doors make it easy to climb in and out, and once settled in the standard air suspension seat a driver has excellent all-round visibility.
Climate control air conditioning ensures that the operator’s chosen temperature is maintained automatically, and all essential performance and tractor status information is shown on a stylish oval-shaped display that combines easy-to-read graphics with traditional analogue dials.
McCormick design engineers based at the Doncaster factory have devised a new hydraulic cab suspension for the ZTX tractor, designed to provide drivers with the comfort necessary to sustain high work rates over long working days.
McCormick ZTX Series – specifications
ZTX230 ZTX260 ZTX280
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Power – rated 161kW 179kW 194kW
@ 2200rpm (ISO) 215hp 240hp 260hp
Power – max 172kW 194kW 209kW
@ 2000rpm (ISO) 230hp 260hp 280hp
PTO– rated 185hp 210hp 230hp
Engine
Six-cylinder 8.3 litre Cummins QSC with 24-valve cylinder head and electronic fuel injection.
Transmission Full-feature powershift with 18 x 8 speeds or 36 x 16 speeds with optional creep gearbox; forward-reverse power shuttle with left-hand control lever and ‘park’ position; default or driver selected start-up forward and reverse gears; ground speed matching.
Front axle
Rigid or with four-link, single vertical cylinder hydraulic suspension; 55 degree steer angle and swivel fenders; 5.75m turn radius; 8000kg maximum load.
Hydraulics
Closed centre pressure-flow compensating system with 150 litre/min maximum flow at 200 bar; five electronic auxiliary valves with flow / timer / constant flow adjustments; controlled by two joysticks (valves 1-4) and Multicontroller button (valve 5); lever-lock quick release couplings.
Implement lift
Electronic draft and position control; 11,000kg maximum lift from twin external cylinders; load damping ride control.
Power take-off
Single-speed 1000rpm
Headland control 4wd, diff lock and pto linked to lift arm position and tractor speed; wheelslip and braking also engage 4wd.
Cab
Six post structure with large windows and doors; optional hydraulic suspension; automatic climate control air conditioning; air suspension driver’s seat with armrest mounted transmission and hydraulic controls.
Fuel / service
570 litres with ground level filling; 500-hour engine service interval.
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